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BIRTH
John Hancock was born in Braintree, Massachusetts a farming village -
John graduated Harvard
John graduated from Harvard and went to join his uncle's merchant business -
Stamp Act repeald
Hancock was involved with the protests of this act and had a big celebration for it -
Joins Sons of Liberty
John joined the Sons of Liberty. They needed John's support because he was popular and wealthy. -
John gives speech at Old South Meeting House
In his speech, John announced he could no longer support King George. He encouraged people in the colonies to stand up for their freedom and liberties. -
John elected as leader of Massachusetts
Shortly after John's speech, Massachusetts set up its own government with John as its leader. They called for an army of minutemen. He gave his own money to support this army. -
John elected president of the Second Continental Congress
The British had attacked the colonies; The American Revolution had begun. John went to Philadelphia where he was chosen to lead the Second Continental Congress. This group organized and trained a national army. -
Signed Declaration of Independence
John was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, a document written stating the wish to be independent from Britain. His signature was very large. He became famous for his signature. He is considered a founding father of the US. -
Became Governor of Massachusetts
John was elected Governor of Massachusetts. He earned the majority of votes. He was Governor for five years. He gave up his position because he became ill. Then he was re-elected in 1787. He loved public service and ran for Vice President to George Washington but he didn't get enough votes. -
John dies at age 56
When John died he was given a huge memorial. He was buried in a family tomb in the Old Granary Burying Ground in Boston.
